Spanish and New Zealand Dairy Industries Connect Over Sustainability
Source: The DairyNews
A Spanish delegation, comprised of agricultural leaders and retail executives, recently embarked on a journey to New Zealand to enhance their understanding of sustainable dairy practices. The group, led by farmer directors and the CEO of the Spanish cooperative COVAP, and including representatives from the major supermarket chain Mercadona, aimed to exchange sustainable farming insights with their New Zealand counterparts.
Organized by Alltech, a global leader in sustainability programs, the tour provided the delegation with firsthand experiences of New Zealand’s renowned dairy practices, recognized for their efficiency and sustainability. COVAP, which integrates sustainability as a key element of its branding and market strategy on the Iberian peninsula, was keen to learn from New Zealand's advanced dairy sector.
Nigel Meads, Alltech's sustainability insights manager, highlighted the significance of the collaboration between COVAP and Mercadona, noting that "Mercadona recognizes that their success is deeply connected to the success of their producers."
Throughout their visit, the Spanish delegation engaged directly with local dairy farmers to learn how sustainability practices are implemented on the ground. These interactions provided the delegation with practical examples of sustainability that could potentially be adapted to suit the Spanish agricultural context.
Discussions with New Zealand processors and brand owners covered various sustainability facets, including animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and economic viability. The delegation gained insights into New Zealand's holistic approach to dairy sustainability, which aligns closely with COVAP’s objectives.
The visit also highlighted the differences in market dynamics between the two countries, with Spain focusing predominantly on domestic consumption, contrasting with New Zealand's export-oriented, value-added product strategy. Despite these differences, both countries face similar challenges such as succession planning, regulatory pressures, and sustainability concerns.
The cooperative model and integrated supply chain prevalent in New Zealand’s dairy industry resonated with COVAP’s mission, especially pertinent in a region grappling with issues like water scarcity and limited forage availability.
The trip underscored the global interconnectedness of the dairy markets, illustrating how developments in New Zealand can impact the industry worldwide, including in Spain. It emphasized the importance of staying abreast of global trends and best practices to navigate challenges and foster innovation.
Reflecting on their experiences, members of the Spanish delegation praised New Zealand's commitment to sustainability in the dairy sector. They recognized the value of cross-cultural exchanges in addressing shared challenges and promoting positive changes within the agricultural industry.
Nigel Meads, Alltech's sustainability insights manager, highlighted the significance of the collaboration between COVAP and Mercadona, noting that "Mercadona recognizes that their success is deeply connected to the success of their producers."
Throughout their visit, the Spanish delegation engaged directly with local dairy farmers to learn how sustainability practices are implemented on the ground. These interactions provided the delegation with practical examples of sustainability that could potentially be adapted to suit the Spanish agricultural context.
Discussions with New Zealand processors and brand owners covered various sustainability facets, including animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and economic viability. The delegation gained insights into New Zealand's holistic approach to dairy sustainability, which aligns closely with COVAP’s objectives.
The visit also highlighted the differences in market dynamics between the two countries, with Spain focusing predominantly on domestic consumption, contrasting with New Zealand's export-oriented, value-added product strategy. Despite these differences, both countries face similar challenges such as succession planning, regulatory pressures, and sustainability concerns.
The cooperative model and integrated supply chain prevalent in New Zealand’s dairy industry resonated with COVAP’s mission, especially pertinent in a region grappling with issues like water scarcity and limited forage availability.
The trip underscored the global interconnectedness of the dairy markets, illustrating how developments in New Zealand can impact the industry worldwide, including in Spain. It emphasized the importance of staying abreast of global trends and best practices to navigate challenges and foster innovation.
Reflecting on their experiences, members of the Spanish delegation praised New Zealand's commitment to sustainability in the dairy sector. They recognized the value of cross-cultural exchanges in addressing shared challenges and promoting positive changes within the agricultural industry.
